The two brightest planets in our evening sky are Venus and Jupiter. This is a good time to take note of both, for Venus is beginning to slide closer and closer to the horizon.

Venus is brightest, because it is both the closest and it is covered by clouds.

Jupiter is bright, because it is the biggest planet in our solar system. It is prominent in our night sky, in the zodiacal constellation Taurus. The planet is 484 million miles away and getting farther away.

Venus is getting closer to us and will be closest early in March, but not visible.

Jupiter and Venus will be together, side by side, later this year. The conjunction will take place before sunrise, Tuesday morning, August 12.